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August may not mark the beginning of a new calendar year, but for whatever reason August has always felt like the start of a new time for me. This summer, I had the opportunity to be part of the APPLES service-learning internship program and spend time as a communications intern at the Chapel Hill – Carrboro Public School Foundation. It has been a great summer. My internship is coming to a close and a new semester will begin soon.

Lately, I have also been reminded of something else new August brings each year… sports.

Tennis

While tennis may not be what comes to many people’s minds when they think of sports in August, it’s what will probably always come first in my mind. In high school, the tennis team’s season started at the beginning of August. There was always something new and exciting about tennis at this time of year in high school, and even these past few years after high school there is still something about this month that makes me want to get on a tennis court.

Part of my interest in tennis may be because of the US Open, which starts at the end of August. Although it is the last Grand Slam of the year, I have always enjoyed watching the U.S. Open. It also does not hurt that the US Open is a little easier to watch because it is the only Grand Slam that takes place in my time zone.

This year’s tournament is going to be particularly exciting the men’s draw looks like it could be about as competitive as it has been in a long time. Djokovic, Nadal and Murray have all won a Grand Slam this year, and it is hard to guess who will win the U.S. Open title with Federer, del Potro and Tsonga also very much in the mix. The women’s draw is similar with three different Grand Slam champions this year coming into the tournament, and there are quite a few up-and-coming players that may have a huge impact on how the tournament plays out.

Football

Football teams also kick off their seasons this time of year. The NFL teams started their preseason games this weekend, and college and high school games will begin at the end of the month.

There is a lot of excitement with a new season. I am looking forward to being able to watch a few football games (particularly Tar Heels and Panthers) on the weekends for the next couple months as my “new year” begins.

The first round of the NFL draft takes place tonight at 8 pm in New York City. This year, the draft includes some great stories and interesting players. Here are a few that I will be watching for tonight and in the other rounds.

Giovani Bernard

He helped UNC have a great season last year and is listed as the top running back prospect on Yahoo! Sports. It will be interesting to see where he ends up going in the draft and which team he will play for next season.

Jonathan Cooper

One of the reasons Gio had the season that he did was because of Jonathan Cooper, the All-American offensive guard from Wilmington, North Carolina. He has a great story and is expected to go in the first round, possibly as an early pick.

Sibling’s have a special connection. I cannot imagine what it would be like to play with, or against, a sibling in a professional sport. In honor of Siblings Day, these are some of my favorite siblings in sports right now.

The Gasol brothers have combined to have 5 All-Star game appearances in the NBA. They have also come together to help Spain win two silver medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

Venus and Serena Williams

For almost 15 years (Venus won 2 Grand Slams in 1999), the William sisters have dominated in women’s tennis. They have won 13 Grand Slam doubles titles together and 3 Olympic gold medals in women’s doubles. They have also won a combined 22 Grand Slam singles titles.